SPOKANE - Betty Rosella Young Weaver, 87, of Spokane, passed away quietly in her sleep on Saturday, April 26, 2014. She was born in Sublett, Idaho, to Finneous and Lila (Galliher) Young, whose Young clan had relocated from the Salt Lake area to southern Idaho some years earlier. She spent her youth growing up in both southern and northern Idaho until her father moved the family to Washington to allow her to attend high school in Spokane. Following work opportunities in the newly opened Hanford reservation, the Young family settled in Richland, Washington, where two years later she met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Weaver, who had recently returned home from serving in WWII. After marrying Dick in 1946 on her 20th birthday, they had seven children initially in Richland, and then moved to Yakima where they had two more children. The family eventually settled on a small farm in Cowiche, Washington, driving into Yakima for classes for all the children at St. Paul's elementary school, St. Joseph's Academy and Marquette High School. The family attended church at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cowiche. Betty was a warm, loving, reflective woman whose life revolved, in every way, around her younger brother and three sisters and eventually her nine children. During the several times that she had three children in diapers at once, her smile never dimmed, her energy never flagged, and her support of her family and church never wavered. She loved unconditionally and gave of herself constantly - physically, spiritually and emotionally, first in helping raise her four younger siblings, then nine children and ultimately helping where she could with her numerous grandchildren. Betty was the epitome of a loving and supportive oldest child growing up in largely rural areas of Idaho. With a mother that was not always able to be present, she was her father's right-hand support in helping to keep the household running smoothly. Her siblings regarded her as their second mother and the closeness and the love they all shared continued throughout their lives. Her family's fondest memories are the summer vacations and get-togethers where all her siblings and their children gathered for campouts and reunions. Betty was also the most wonderful example of motherhood possible. She raised her nine children as the central point of her life and welcomed each new baby into her family with joy and unconditional love. Her gentle hand, smile and unflagging patience guided each of her seven boys and two girls through their early years and into adulthood with the sure knowledge that her love was always present and always true. She imparted her quest for understanding this universe and God's plan to her children and gave them the foundation of a loving life that has carried each one of them through the difficult times, as well as the good. Her passing leaves an absence that will never be filled in her special and wonderful way. She is lovingly survived by her immediate family of beloved children, Sandra Pierce, Charlotte Weaver, Richard "Dick" (Nancy) Weaver; Bruce (Charlene) Weaver; Ken (Barb) Weaver; Paul (Kathy) Weaver; Sam (Kathy) Weaver; Dave (Mary Anne) Weaver; Lou (Susan) Weaver. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Renee Stark, Brianna Bentz, Anna Estrada, Tim Weaver, Brandt Weaver, Jeanette Heater, Stan Weaver, Naomi Lule, Brandi Weaver, Damien Weaver, Jesse Weaver, Andrea Weaver, Darian Weaver, Kevin Kauth and twenty-four great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Celia Luxmore Stohr, Loretta O'Hair Roach, Evelyn Speights Poznanski and brother, Leslie "Bud" (Colleen) Young, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandchildren Devin Weaver and Camille Weaver.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Brookside Funeral Home in Moxee on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 9:30 AM, followed by graveside inurnment at the Terrace Heights Cemetery.